After an ACEP News article about his volunteer efforts at the annual Burning Man event (“Bringing Emergency Medicine to the Burners,” April 2010, p. 13), Dr. Marc S. Nelson has received many inquiries about volunteering for the weeklong summer event.

Emergency physicians and other health care providers who are interested in volunteering at Burning Man this summer can visit www.burningman.com/participate/emergency.html to sign up and learn more.

Some of the most frequently asked questions include:

• Do I need a Nevada medical license? No, Burning Man contracts with a group of Nevada physicians and nurses. The physicians who work there are mostly doing first aid and triage. Burning Man covers malpractice issues that may occur.
• How many shifts do I have to work? Most new volunteers work 8- or 12-hour shifts (12-hour shifts in the beginning of the week and 8-hour ones later). Volunteers are encouraged to work at least two shifts. Working four shifts (32 hours) gives the volunteer a free ticket; working two shifts will result in a discounted event ticket.
• Where would I stay? There are many options, as the playa is a big place. There is, however, a medical camp open to medical volunteers (it is where Dr. Nelson chooses to stay) that is a great option for first-timers.
• How do I contact Dr. Nelson?

You can reach him via e-mail at marc.s.nelson@kp.org.